The Bakke case, the A-bomb survivors bill and JACL’s convention plans

Vol. 86, No. 8, March 3, 1978. 11 pages. View this issue

The Bakke case led the front page. Yori Wada told a Los Angeles church audience that Asian Americans would be the least affected minority if the U.S. Supreme Court ruled for Allan Bakke. Nearby were news of a House hearing on H.R. 8440, the bill from Reps. Norman Mineta and Edward Roybal to extend medical aid to atomic bomb survivors in the U.S., and a push for civil service retirement credit for time spent in the World War II incarceration (often called internment) under S. 224.

JACL’s July convention in Salt Lake City ran through the issue. Karl Nobuyuki outlined the issues ahead, William Marutani wrote on new leadership, and Clifford Uyeda and Bill Marutani added columns. The paper also profiled Wendy Yoshimura and told the story of Marine veteran Guy Gabaldon. Eleven pages in all.

What’s in this issue

National

• Asian Americans Seen Least Affected by Bakke Decision, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Yori Wada told a Los Angeles church audience that Asian Americans would be the least affected minority if the Supreme Court rules for Allan Bakke. He noted that most Asian applicants enter UC through regular channels, though few Asian names appear in some graduate science programs.
• House Hearing on A-Bomb Survivors Bill Being Planned, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A congressional committee will probe H.R. 8440, sponsored by Reps. Norman Mineta and Edward Roybal, which would extend medical aid to about 400 atomic bomb survivors living in the U.S. Committee chairpersons are preparing witnesses to appear before Rep. George Danielson’s committee.

JACL

• Filing Deadline for WDC Rep Extended, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The filing deadline for JACL Washington Representative was extended to March 17. Harry I. Takagi has been manning the Washington JACL Office since February 15.
• National JACL Board Meets Mar. 11-12, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Board will meet at Headquarters to preview business for the July national convention in Salt Lake City. The preliminary agenda covers the Young/Chin legal defense fund, the Sabur Kido memorial scholarship, immigration policy, and U.S.-Japan trade relations.
• Convention Issues, by Karl Nobuyuki, page 3. JACL executive director Karl Nobuyuki outlines key issues for the 25th biennial convention, including reparation, youth involvement, U.S.-Japan relations, and organizational management problems. He notes that financial shortfalls will likely require a significant membership dues increase.
• Postscript for Fryer, by Joan Omura, page 4. Joan Omura adds recollections to Bill Hosokawa’s column about his grandfather Omura, a respected leader of Mikawa Mura, and responds to Hosokawa’s characterization of Kibei. She describes a Seattle Kibei group that merged with the local JACL in 1936.
• More the Merrier, by Clifford Uyeda, page 5. Clifford Uyeda argues that the myth that expanding programs dilutes volunteer resources is false, citing JACL’s Whale Issue Committee and Iva Toguri committee as examples accomplished on minimal budgets. He urges more programs and greater membership participation.

Community

• Teacher Denied Promotion Faces Dismissal in June, by P.C. Staff, page 1. UC Irvine pharmacology instructor Dr. Norio Kokka, denied promotion to associate professor, is requesting review of irregularities by the Divisional Committee on Privilege and Tenure. His attorney says the university disregarded unanimous recommendations of the Ad Hoc Committee.
• Calipatria Support for Principal Remains Strong, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Community support for Dr. Miyoshi Ikeda, whose contract as Calipatria High School principal was terminated, remains strong despite expectations the school board will not reverse its decision. PSWDC regional director Glen Isomoto reported that local regard for Superintendent Eddie Ikard has diminished.
• Stockton JACLer in Bid for Congress, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A Stockton JACL member has officially announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination for congressman from the 14th district. The announcement was made by the Stockton chapter.
• Enomoto Sees Need for More Prisons, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Jerry Enomoto, director of the State Department of Corrections, disclosed a $1 million appropriation to curb prison drug use and strengthen intelligence on prison gangs. He also said new data is being prepared to justify building more prisons.

Incarceration & Redress

• Internment Credit Boosters Eye S.224, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The Committee for Internment Credit has shifted efforts to S. 224 in the Senate, which would grant civil service retirement credit to Japanese Americans for time spent in internment camps. Supporters are urged to write their senators while the bill is pending in committee.

Arts & Entertainment

• Wendy Yoshimura Trying to Regain Sense of Freedom, Her Niche as an Artist, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Wendy Yoshimura, the former Patty Hearst associate, is trying to resolve uncertainties about her future while free on bail pending appeal of her 1977 conviction. She says she wants a normal life with a full-time job, relationships, and a sense of freedom.

Commentary

• Anti-Quota Initiative, by Harry Honda, page 3. Lawrence E. Walsh is circulating petitions for a California ballot initiative that would outlaw racial or ethnic quotas and affirmative action programs in admissions, employment, and contracting. The writer notes the measure could become a problem for officials if qualified, though the U.S. Supreme Court could still find such initiatives unconstitutional.
• JACL Auxiliaries, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The writer argues JACL should officially recognize women’s auxiliaries nationally through a simple constitutional amendment, given the time and talent women have contributed. Such groups would complement rather than compete within JACL.
• East Wind: Let My People Go, by William Marutani, page 4. Marutani argues that long-serving JACL leaders, motivated by love for the organization, must relinquish their hold so new leadership and fresh ideas can emerge at all levels. He cautions that youth alone is not the answer, but that the organization needs to breathe.
• JACL History, by Bill Marutani, page 5. Denver attorney Bill Marutani is researching a history of JACL as a memorial project for Mas Satow and asks members to send letters, clippings, and recollections about people, events, and the organization’s hopes and frustrations.

Military & Veterans

• Ex-Marine’s Secret Cover Exposed by Routine Police Blotter Report, by P.C. Staff, page 8. Guy Gabaldon, a WWII Marine who captured 2,000 Japanese soldiers, was identified in an Albuquerque police report after $5,000 was stolen from his motel. The article recounts his wartime exploits, his Mexican business ventures, and his ongoing fight against discrimination.

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